The Isuzu FA Trophy

Devonshire wants Wembley return with Braintree Town

Friday 13 Dec 2013
Alan Devonshire celebrates with The FA Cup after winning it with West Ham in 1980.

Braintree Town manager Alan Devonshire has urged his players to take their opportunity in this year's FA Trophy to play at Wembley - a feat he memorably achieved when he won The FA Cup with West Ham United.

The former England midfielder, who spent 14 years as a West Ham player and has now been in non-League management for over 16 years, supplied the cross that led to Sir Trevor Brooking's famous winner in the 1980 Final against Arsenal.

And Devonshire is determined to walk out at Wembley again, not just for himself, but for his players.

He said: "I've been lucky enough to play at Wembley a few times but it would be great for the boys. It's not about me, it's about the boys. I just want it for them really.

"We've got an opportunity here. It's a long way off, but you can dream can't you?

 

Braintree Town v Lincoln City

The FA Carlsberg Trophy
Second Round Proper
3pm, Sat 14 December
The Amlin Stadium
Winners receive £6000

 

 

"But I won't really start thinking about it until we're winning in the 90th minute of the Semi-Final, if we get there.

"It's a big game this weekend and we can't afford to take things easy. It's a distraction from the league, but it's one we want to go for. We're looking forward to it."

On Saturday, Braintree face fellow Conference opposition in the competition for the second successive round after disposing of Welling in a replay in the last phase.

Devonshire's team, who are just two points shy of the Conference play-off places, host a Lincoln City side that did the double over them last season but are currently nine points adrift of the Essex club in the league.

"Lincoln will fancy their chances," admitted Devonshire. "They beat us home and away us last year, so we know it's going to be tough.

"We know what Lincoln are about. We know they're big and physical, but we're at home and that gives us a little advantage. It's up to us to take that advantage.

"I don't think any of the players have gone any further than the last 16 in The FA Trophy before so it would be nice to set that record straight."

By FA Staff